About The Huntley Area Public Library

Library History

In November of 1989, a referendum was passed by the citizens of Huntley and surrounding areas to form a library district. The first Library Board included Len Borhart, Jan Crabill, Richard Drendel, Hazel Kloempken, Karen Kohley, Frances Sheets and Chuck Ruth, President.

In 1990 the Board purchased the Huntley Medical Building, located on the corner of Algonquin Road and Church Street to serve as the first library building. In April of that year, the first full time librarian, Jane Thompson, was hired.

In November of 1996, the library was bursting, and the Library Board purchased 7 acres on Ruth Road from the Ackmann Family. A $250,000 grant was received in June of 1998 to offset construction costs, and in July Governor George Ryan was present for the groundbreaking of the new 15,000 square foot facility. In October, the current Library Director, Virginia Maravilla, was hired. The present Huntley Library opened in 1999.

Since then, the library has seen tremendous growth in step with our booming population. In the first fiscal year, the library’s circulation was up 219% over the previous year. The present library was designed to serve a maximum of 15,000 residents, and as of 2007 it serves over 50,000. In the fiscal year ending July 2007, patrons borrowed nearly 469,000 items, 459% over what they borrowed in 1999.

Most recently the library had to convert its Program Room to the Children’s Room to allow more space for our youngest visitors. Unfortunately, this means that programs and events must be held offsite at various locations in the community. This inconvenience is a concern to the board and staff because patrons must make two trips to attend a program, and then separately visit the library for services.

The library has begun an expansion fund for a proposed addition to the building. If you would like to contribute or become involved in the effort, please contact Leigh Ann at (847) 669-5386, extension 35.